Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus receives a first trigger frame including information about OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point external to the image forming apparatus while a first mode is enabled, performs communication processing in the first mode through OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information about the first trigger frame, and transmits, in a case where the a mode is enabled, a second trigger frame including information about OFDMA conforming to IEEE 802.11 standard.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19487 discloses atechnique for enabling an image forming apparatus to concurrentlyperform wireless communication in an infrastructure mode and wirelesscommunication in an ad hoc mode via an access point.

In recent years, wireless communication has been used in various ways,and there has been a demand for the provision of highly convenientwireless communication.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image formingapparatus includes a first setting unit configured to enable a firstmode for performing a wireless communication via an external accesspoint external to the image forming apparatus, a second setting unitconfigured to enable a second mode for performing a wirelesscommunication without interposing an external access point external tothe image forming apparatus, a reception unit configured to receive afirst trigger frame including information about OFDMA conforming to theIEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point external to the imageforming apparatus while the first mode is enabled, a communication unitconfigured to perform communication processing in the first mode throughOFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information aboutthe first trigger frame, a transmission unit configured to transmit, ina case where the second mode is enabled, a second trigger frameincluding information about OFDMA conforming to IEEE 802.11 standard,and a print processing unit configured to perform print processing on asheet based on a print job received through a wireless communication inthe first mode or a wireless communication in the second mode.

Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration according to thepresent exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a portableterminal, and FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a hardware configurationof an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an accesspoint.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of communication processing according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a frame configuration.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a frame configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a sub channel configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of communication processing.

FIGS. 9A to 9D illustrate examples of operation screens.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image formingapparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image formingapparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The presentexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to be considered to beillustrative. Note that, unless otherwise described, constituentelements, processing steps, display screens, and other specific examplesare not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

System Configuration

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a system accordingto the present exemplary embodiment. The present system is an example ofa wireless communication system in which a plurality of communicationapparatuses is capable of wirelessly communicating with each other. Inthe example in FIG. 1 , the system includes an access point 131, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 151, and a portable terminal 101. Examples ofthe portable terminal 101 include a notebook computer and a smart phone.

The MFP 151 has a print function, a read function (scanner), and afacsimile function. The MFP 151 according to the present exemplaryembodiment has a communication function of wirelessly communicating withthe portable terminal 101. While the present exemplary embodiment willbe described using an example of case where the MFP 151 is used, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, a facsimileapparatus, scanner, projector, and single function printing apparatusmay be used instead of the MFP 151. According to the present exemplaryembodiment, an apparatus having a print function may be referred to asan image forming apparatus.

The access point 131 is provided separately from (or outside) theportable terminal 101 and the MFP 151, and operates as a base stationapparatus of a wireless local area network (WLAN). The access point 131may be described as an external access point 131 or an external wirelessbase station (or an external parent station). The MFP 151 having a WLANcommunication function can perform communication in the WLANinfrastructure mode via the access point 131. Hereinafter the accesspoint 131 may be referred to as an “AP”. The infrastructure mode may bereferred to as a “wireless infrastructure mode” or “infrastructuremode”.

The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the MFP 151 communicates withother apparatuses via an external apparatus (e.g., the AP 131) forming anetwork. A connection with the external AP 131 established by the MFP151 operating in the infrastructure mode is referred to as aninfrastructure connection. According to the present exemplaryembodiment, the MFP 151 operates as a child station and the external AP131 operates as a parent station in the infrastructure connection. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, the parent station refers to anapparatus that forms a network and determines the communication channelto be used in the network. A child station refers to an apparatus thatdoes not determine the communication channel to be used in the networkto which the child station belongs but performs wireless communicationvia the communication channel determined by the parent station.

The AP 131 wirelessly communicates with the (authenticated)communication apparatus permitted to connect to the AP 131, and relayswireless communication between the relevant communication apparatus andother communication apparatuses. For example, the AP 131 is connected toa wired communication network, and relays communication between acommunication apparatus connected to the wired communication network andother communication apparatuses wirelessly connecting to the AP 131.

The portable terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can perform wirelesscommunication in the wireless infrastructure mode via the external AP131 or in the peer-to-peer mode without interposing the external AP 131,by using the WLAN communication function of each apparatus. Hereinafter,peer-to-peer is referred to as “P2P”.

A communication without interposing the external AP 131 may be referredto as direct wireless communication. The P2P mode includes Wi-Fi Direct(registered trademark) and a software AP mode. Hereinafter, Wi-Fi Direct(registered trademark) may be referred to as WFD. The P2P mode can alsobe referred to as communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series.

In the P2P mode, the MFP 151 directly communicates with otherapparatuses, such as the portable terminal 101, without interposing anexternal apparatus forming a network. According to the present exemplaryembodiment, the P2P mode includes the AP mode in which the MFP 151operates as an AP. Connection information (service set identifier (SSID)and/or password) for the AP to be enabled in the MFP 151 in the AP modeis freely settable by the user. The P2P mode may include, for example, aWFD mode in which the MFP 151 performs Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication.Which one of a plurality of WFD-compatible apparatuses operates as aparent station is determined based on a sequence called Group OwnerNegotiation. The parent station may be determined without execution ofGroup Owner Negotiation. In particular, a WFD-compatible apparatus thatserves as a parent station is referred to as a group owner. A directconnection to other apparatuses that is established by the MFP 151operating in the P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection.According to the present exemplary embodiment, in the direct connection,the MFP 151 operates as a parent station, and other apparatuses(including the portable terminal 101) operate as child stations.

The configurations of the portable terminal 101 according to the presentexemplary embodiment and a communication apparatus capable ofcommunicating with the portable terminal 101 according to the presentexemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2Aand 2B. While the present exemplary embodiment will be described belowusing the following example configuration, the present exemplaryembodiment is applicable to an apparatus capable of communicating with acommunication apparatus, and the functions are not particularly limitedto FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The portable terminal 101 includes an input interface 102, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 103, a read only memory (ROM) 104, a random accessmemory (RAM) 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface107, a display unit 108, a keyboard 109, a communication unit 110, anear field wireless communication unit 111, a network interface 112, anda universal serial bus (USB) interface 113. The computer of the portableterminal 101 includes the CPU 103, the ROM 104, and the RAM 105.

The input interface 102 receives input data and operating instructionsfrom the user through operations on an operation unit, such as thekeyboard 109. The operation unit may include a physical keyboard andphysical buttons, or a software keyboard and software buttons displayedon the display unit 108. More specifically, the input interface 102 mayreceive inputs (operations) from the user via the display unit 108.

The CPU 103 serves as a system control unit that controls overalloperations of the portable terminal 101. The ROM 104 stores controlprograms to be executed by the CPU 103, and fixed data, such as datatables and programs of a built-in operating system (hereinafter referredto as an OS). According to the present exemplary embodiment, the controlprograms stored in the ROM 104 perform scheduling, task switching,interrupt processing, and other software execution control under thecontrol of the built-in OS stored in the ROM 104.

The RAM 105 includes a static random access memory (SRAM) for which abackup power source is to be used. The data in the RAM 105 is retainedwith a primary battery for data backup (not illustrated), so thatimportant data, such as program control variables, can be stored in theRAM 105 without volatilization. A memory area for storing settinginformation for the portable terminal 101 and management data of theportable terminal 101 is also provided in the RAM 105. The RAM 105 isalso used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

The external storage device 106 stores, for example, a print informationgeneration program for generating print information that isinterpretable by a printing apparatus 115. The output interface 107controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the user of thestatus of the portable terminal 101.

The display unit 108 including a light emitting diode (LED) display orliquid crystal display (LCD) displays data and notifies the user of thestatus of the portable terminal 101. The communication unit 110 connectsto the MFP 151, the access point (AP) 131, and/or the like to performdata communication. For example, the communication unit 110 isconnectable to an AP (not illustrated) in the MFP 151. When thecommunication unit 110 connects to an AP in the MFP 151, a P2Pcommunication is enabled between the portable terminal 101 and the MFP151. The communication unit 110 may directly communicate with the MFP151 via wireless communication, or communicate with the MFP 151 via anexternal apparatus, such as the AP 131, present external to the portableterminal 101 and the MFP 151. External apparatuses include an externalAP (such as the AP 131) present external to the portable terminal 101and the MFP 151, and an apparatus capable of relaying communicationother than the AP 131. According to the present exemplary embodiment,the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is,for example, but not limited to, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)_(registeredtrademark), a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11series. Examples of the AP 131 include a wireless LAN router.

The near field wireless communication unit 111 is a component forwirelessly connecting to an apparatus, such as the MFP 151, within ashort range and performing data communication based on a communicationmethod different from that used by the communication unit 110.

The near field wireless communication unit 111 is connectable to, forexample, a near field wireless communication unit 157 in the MFP 151.Examples of applicable communication methods include Near FieldCommunication (NFC), Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth® Low Energy, andWi-Fi Aware.

The network interface 112 is a connection interface (I/F) forcontrolling wireless communication processing and communicationprocessing via a wired LAN cable.

The USB interface 113 is a connection I/F for controlling a USBconnection via a USB cable. More specifically, the USB interface 113 isused for connection to the MFP 151 and the external AP 131 via a USBconnection to perform data communication.

The MFP 151 will be described below. The MFP 151 includes a ROM 152, aRAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, thenear field wireless communication unit 157, an input interface 158, anoperation unit 159, an output interface 160, a display unit 161, anetwork interface 162, and a USB interface 163. The computer of the MFP151 is formed of the ROM 152, the RAM 153, and the CPU 154.

The communication unit 156 controls communication processing using theabove-described interfaces. For example, the MFP 151 is operable in theinfrastructure and the Peer to Peer (P2P) modes, in which communicationis performed using the communication unit 156.

More specifically, the communication unit 156 is operable as an AP inthe MFP 151. For example, the MFP 151 operates as an AP when the userinstructs the MFP 151 to enable the AP therein. According to the presentexemplary embodiment, the wireless communication method used by thecommunication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to theIEEE 802.11 series. In the following descriptions, wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi) (registered trademark), i.e., Wi-Fi communication, is acommunication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. Thecommunication unit 156 may include a hardware component that functionsas an AP. Alternatively, the communication unit 156 may operate as an AP(software AP mode) by using software for causing the communication unit156 to function as an AP. When the communication unit 156 operates as aparent station, the communication unit 156 is enabled to maintain, inparallel, a P2P wireless connection with up to the predetermined numberof apparatuses serving as a child station (e.g., up to threeapparatuses). The communication unit 156 can perform wirelesscommunication by using a frequency band selected from 2.4, 5 and 6 GHzbands.

The near field wireless communication unit 157 is configured towirelessly connect to apparatuses, such as the portable terminal 101,within a short range. For example, the near field wireless communicationunit 157 is connectable to the near field wireless communication unit111 in the portable terminal 101. Examples of applicable communicationmethods include NFC, Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth® Low Energy, andWi-Fi Aware.

The RAM 153 includes a SRAM to which a backup power source is to besupplied. The data in the RAM 153 is retained by a primary battery fordata backup (not illustrated), which enables storing of important data,such as program control variables, in the RAM 153 withoutvolatilization. A memory area for storing setting information for theMFP 151 and management data of the MFP 151 is also provided in the RAM153. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of theCPU 154. The RAM 153 includes a receive buffer for temporarily storingprint information received from the portable terminal 101 and storesvarious information.

The ROM 152 stores control programs to be executed by the CPU 154 andfixed data, such as data tables and OS programs. According to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the control programs stored in the ROM 152perform scheduling, task switching, interrupt processing, and othersoftware execution control under the control of the built-in OS storedin the ROM 152.

The CPU 154 serves as a system control unit that controls overalloperations of the MFP 151.

The print engine 155 performs print processing for applying a recordingagent, such as ink, onto a recording medium, such as a sheet, to form animage on the recording medium, based on the information stored in theRAM 153 and/or a print job received from the portable terminal 101, andoutputs a print result. In general, a print job transmitted from theportable terminal 101 has a large amount of data, the use of ahigh-speed communication method is demanded for print job communication.Thus, the MFP 151 receives a print job via the communication unit 156capable of higher speed communication than the near field wirelesscommunication unit 157. Ink-based printing is to be considered to beillustrative, and printing may be performed by using a toner-basedelectrophotographic method. For ink-based printing, the MFP 151 may beof the cartridge type in which an ink cartridge is attached or of a typein which ink is replenished from an ink bottle to an ink tank. The MFP151 performs print processing on a sheet based on a print job receivedthrough wireless communication via the infrastructure mode or wirelesscommunication via the P2P mode.

The MFP 151 may be attached with a memory such as an external hard diskdrive (HDD) and/or a secure digital (SD) card as an optional device, andinformation to be stored in the MFP 151 may be stored in this memory.

The input interface 158 receives input data and operating instructionsfrom the user through operations on the operation unit 159, which is,for example, physical buttons. The operation unit 159 may include asoftware keyboard and software buttons displayed on the display unit161.

More specifically, the input interface 158 may receive inputs from theuser via the display unit 161.

The output interface 160 controls the display unit 161 to display dataand notify the user of the status of the MFP 151.

The display unit 161 includes a light emitting diode (LED) display orliquid crystal display (LCD), and displays data and notifies the user ofthe status of the MFP 151.

The USB interface 163 controls a USB connection via a USB cable. Morespecifically, the USB interface 163 is used for connection to the MFP151 and an apparatus, such as the external AP 131, via a USB connectionto perform data communication.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalconfiguration of the AP 131. The AP 131 includes, for example, awireless LAN control unit 301, a trigger frame control unit 302, areception frame analysis unit 303, a user interface (UI) control unit304, a storage unit 305, and a band distribution unit 306 as FUNCTIONALcomponents.

The wireless LAN control unit 301 performs control to transmit andreceive wireless communication signals to/from other wireless LANcommunication apparatuses. For example, the wireless LAN control unit301 can be implemented by a program for controlling a baseband circuit,a radio frequency (RF) circuit, and an antenna for a wireless LAN. Thewireless LAN control unit 301 performs wireless LAN communicationcontrol conforming to the IEEE 802.11standard series, and performswireless communication with a STA (equivalent to a child station)conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series.

The trigger frame control unit 302 performs control to transmit atrigger frame to a successfully authenticated STA via the wireless LANcontrol unit 301. In response to receiving the trigger frame, the STAtransmits an uplink (UL) frame as a response to the trigger frame. Inresponse to receiving the UL frame via the wireless LAN control unit301, the AP 131 interprets the specification of the received UL frameusing the reception frame analysis unit 303. For example, when thereceived UL frame includes information about an access category (AC),the reception frame analysis unit 303 acquires the information about theAC through analysis and grasps which AC's transmission target data isheld by the STA that is the transmission source of the UL frame.

The band distribution unit 306 determines the range of the frequencyband to be allocated for data transmission of each STA, the centerfrequency of the frequency band, and the time when the frequency band isallocated, based on the information acquired by the reception frameanalysis unit 303. More specifically, the band distribution unit 306determines the frequency range in which a wireless resource is to beallocated to each STA, and the timing of the allocation. The triggerframe control unit 302 notifies each STA of the information about theband distribution determined by the band distribution unit 306 via thetrigger frame, and instructs each STA to transmit a UL frame inaccordance with the band distribution.

The UI control unit 304 is implemented by a program for controlling thehardware related to user interfaces of the AP 131 (not illustrated),such as a touch panel and buttons, for receiving user operations on theAP 131. The UI control unit 304 also has a function of presentinginformation, such as image display and audio output to the user. Thestorage unit 305 includes a RAM and ROM for storing programs and datafor operations of the AP 131.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of a sub carrier. In IEEE 801.11ax,allocation of the frequency band with a size smaller than 20 MHz to STAsis enabled, so that a number of STAs can use wireless resources at thesame time. Such allocation of wireless resources is performed by usingorthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). In IEEE802.11ax,for example, the 20 MHz bandwidth is divided into nine blocks having 26sub carriers (tones) that do not overlap with each other on thefrequency axis, and wireless resources are allocated to the portableterminal 101 on a block basis. This allocation block unit is referred toas a resource unit (RU). The size of a RU is determined in accordancewith the number of terminals for which frequency bandwidths and wirelessresources are allocated. The RU size is represented by the number oftones as unit. Examples of the usable number of tones include 26, 52,106, 242, 484, 996, and 2×996. In the 20 MHz bandwidth, an RU size of upto 242 tones is useable. In a case where all the 20 MHz bandwidth isallocated to one terminal, up to 242 tones is allocatable.

In contrast, in a case where, for example, nine different terminals usethe 20 MHz bandwidth at the same time, 26 tones are allocated to eachterminal. Dividing the frequency band with the minimum allocation unit(26 tones) in this way enables nine terminals to perform communicationby using the 20 MHz bandwidth at the same time. Similarly, in a casewhere the 40, 80, and 160 MHz frequency bands are used, up to 18, 37,and 74 terminals perform communication, respectively, at the same time.

Basic processing of multi user (MU) communication in UL will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 4 . In step S401, the AP 131transmits a buffer status report request (BSR Request) to each STA viathe trigger frame control unit 302. According to the present exemplaryembodiment, the AP 131, the MFP 151, and the portable terminal 101 arecapable of performing communication conforming to IEEE 801.11ax.According to the present exemplary embodiment, the portable terminal 101does not belong to a network established by the AP 131.

Referring back to FIG. 4 , in step S402, each STA transmits a bufferstatus report (BSR). The BSR is used when each STA notifies the AP 131of the amount of its transmission buffer. An example configuration of aBSR frame will be illustrated in FIG. 5 . The amount of transmissionbuffer of each STA is indicated by a queue size sub field 503 includedin a QoS control field 501. Alternatively, the amount of transmissionbuffer of each STA can be indicated by a scaling factor sub field 505, aqueue size high sub field 506, and a queue size all sub field 507 in acontrol information sub field 504 in an HT control field 502.

In response to receiving of a BSR frame from each STA, then in stepS403, the AP 131 transmits a trigger frame for promoting a UL datatransmission based on the information to each STA. In this case, the AP131 determines the RU allocation in UL-OFDMA and the communication timecommon to all STAs, based on the information about the amount oftransmission buffer included in the BSR frame. Subsequently, the AP 131transmits a trigger frame including the information about the RU and theinformation about the data communication time common to all STAs(hereinafter this information is referred to as RU/communication timeinformation). More specifically, the AP 131 transmits a trigger frameincluding information regarding OFDMA. FIG. 6 illustrates aconfiguration of a trigger frame.

A common info field 601 includes information common to all STAs. Thedata communication time common to all STAs is set in a length sub field604 in the common info field 601. When a trigger type sub field 603 is0, a user info field 602 is added. The common info field 601 alsoincludes other information. For example, the common info field 601includes Carrier Sense (CS) Required, and stores information indicatingwhether the carrier sense execution is required. In a case where thecommon info field 601 includes information indicating that the carriersense execution is required, the STAs that has received the triggerframe perform the carrier sense. On the other hand, in a case where thecommon info field 601 includes information indicating that the carriersense execution is not required, the STAs that has received the triggerframe do not perform the carrier sense. An STA is specified by an AIDsub field 605 in the user info field 602. The RU (a unit grouping aplurality of sub carriers) and the tone size to be allocated to the STAare specified by the index value indicated by an RU allocation sub field606. The tone size refers to a value indicating the range of thefrequency band that is allocatable to each STA. Modulation and codingscheme (MCS) is specified to an MCS sub field 607.

The AP reserves a communication channel for transmitting a triggerframe. The AP then divides the reserved communication channel into aplurality of resource units and allocates each resource unit to theportable terminal 101.

When each STA receives the trigger frame including informationregarding, then in step S404, each STA transmits a data frame of the ULwithin the range of the data amount determined by a length sub field 604in the trigger frame. In this case, when the trigger frame includesinformation indicating that the carrier sense execution is required,each STA performs the carrier sense and then performs the operation instep S404. For example, the MFP 151 may transmit scan data in step S404.In addition, the MFP 151 may also transmit information regardingconsumables (including at least one of the remaining ink amount, theremaining amount of toner, and the remaining amount of sheets) in stepS404. Alternatively, the MFP 151 may transmit information indicating thestatus of the MFP 151 (including the occurrence of a paper jam error andthe cover being open).

In response to the AP 131 receiving PPDU from each STA, then in stepS405, the AP 131 transmits a Multi Block Ack (Multi BA) as a receptionconfirmation. Operations of the MFP 151 will be described below withreference to FIG. 8 . Here, it is assumed that, in the MFP 151, both theinfrastructure communication and the P2P communication modes are enabledby a user instruction. Both modes are enabled when, for example, theuser enables the infrastructure mode and then enables the WFD mode byusing the operation panel of the MFP 151. In P2P communication, the MFP151 is operating as a parent station (e.g., a group owner of WFD). InP2P communication, a P2P communication other than the WFD mode, forexample, a software AP mode, may be performed.

In this case, the MFP 151 is assumed to have received the trigger framefrom the AP 131 in step S403. In a case where both the infrastructurecommunication and the P2P communication modes are enabled, the MFP 151may refer to the communication channel to be used in infrastructurecommunication and serve as a parent station to establish a network toperform P2P communication by using the same communication channel. In acase where both the infrastructure communication and the P2Pcommunication modes are enabled, the MFP 151 refers to the communicationchannel to be used in infrastructure communication. Then, the MFP 151may serve as a parent station and establish a network to perform P2Pcommunication by using a communication channel different from thecommunication channel used in infrastructure communication. Morespecifically, referring to FIG. 8 , the MFP 151 receives the triggerframe from the external access point 131 in step S403 while both theinfrastructure communication and the P2P communication modes areenabled.

In step S801, the MFP 151 itself is operating as a parent station, andthus, the MFP 151 transmits a trigger frame. The MFP 151 divides onecommunication channel (e.g., 20 MHz) into a plurality of resource unitsby using the trigger frame as described above in conjunction with FIG. 5, and allocates each resource unit to the STAs including the portableterminal 101. More specifically, the RU allocation sub field 606 in thetrigger frame transmitted by the MFP 151 includes information about theallocation of the resource units. The maximum number of child stationapparatuses for which a resource unit is to be allocated by the MFP 151is the number for which direct connections are maintainable in parallel.For example, when the communication unit 156 is maintainable P2Pwireless connections with up to three child station apparatuses inparallel, the maximum number of child station apparatuses for which aresource unit is to be allocated is three. More specifically, themaximum number of apparatuses for which a resource unit is to beallocated and which is specified in the trigger frame in step S801 isequal to the maximum number of child stations for which the directconnection is maintainable in parallel in. In step S802, the portableterminal 101 transmits data to the MFP 151. The portable terminal 101transmits the data by using the resource unit allocated with the triggerframe. For example, the portable terminal 101 transmits a print job instep S802. The portable terminal 101 may transmit a request foracquiring the status of the MFP 151 and a request for acquiring theremaining amounts of consumables (ink, toner, and sheet) in step S802.

FIGS. 9A to 9D illustrate examples of an operation screen 900 forsetting various modes of infrastructure communication or direct wirelesscommunication. Initially, the user selects a network settings button 901in FIG. 9A, and the screen in FIG. 9A then changes to the screen in FIG.9B. FIGS. 9A to D are displayed on the display unit 161.

FIG. 9B illustrates a screen for making network settings. When the userselects infrastructure settings 904, the screen in FIG. 9C appears. Whenthe user selects direct print settings 903, the screen in FIG. 9Dappears.

FIG. 9C illustrates a screen for performing setting processing in theinfrastructure mode.

When the user checks a check box “Enable” 905, the infrastructure modeis enabled. As a result, the MFP 151 searches for nearby access pointsand displays a list of SSIDs in an area 909. For example, the SSID ofthe AP 131 is displayed in the area 909. When the user selects the SSIDof the AP 131 from the area 909, an infrastructure mode wirelessconnection between the MFP 151 and the AP 131 is established. To endinfrastructure mode communication, the user unchecks the check box“Enable” 905 to disable infrastructure mode operations of the MFP 151.For example, the infrastructure mode wireless connection between the MFP151 and the AP 131 is disconnected.

In infrastructure mode communication, the enabled and disabled states ofOFDMA mode depends on the settings of the AP 131. More specifically,when OFDMA mode is enabled in the AP 131, the MFP 151 performsinfrastructure mode communication in accordance with the setting.

In contrast, with OFDMA mode not enabled in the AP 131, the MFP 151performs infrastructure mode communication in the OFDM mode inaccordance with the setting.

For OFDMA, a complicated method is to be used in primary modulationprocessing to bring the frequency band to be used for data transmissioninto a narrow range. Further, a complicated method is also to be used todemodulate OFDMA-based communication data. Therefore, the powerconsumption of terminal apparatuses is likely to increase.

In contrast, in OFDM-based wireless communication, communicationprocessing is performed based on a method different from the onedescribed in conjunction with FIG. 8 . More specifically, the MFP 151performs communication processing with all bands of the channel occupiedby a specific terminal.

In OFDM, since a specific terminal occupies all bands of the channel,the MFP 151 cannot perform wireless communication with a plurality ofSTAs at the same time.

However, since the divisional use of the sub channels is not required inOFDM, the MFP 151 can perform the primary modulation processing with asimple method. Therefore, when a terminal that has received a signal inOFDM communication demodulates the signal, a large amount of complicatedcalculation processing is not required, unlike OFDMA, making it possibleto reduce the power consumption of the terminal apparatus.

As described above, each of OFDMA and OFDM has advantages anddisadvantages. To make use of the advantages for each communicationmethod, these communication methods are to be determined based on theoperating environment.

In a case where a plurality of terminals is to perform simultaneouscommunication, it is more useful to use OFDMA-based simultaneouscommunication with a plurality of STAs even if the power consumptionincreases on the terminal apparatuses.

On the other hand, in a case where not a plurality of terminals is toperform communication, the use of OFDMA-based sub channels isunnecessary, and it is useful to provide a communication environmentwhere the power consumption on terminal apparatuses is reduced by OFDMcommunication.

The screen illustrated in FIG. 9D appears when the user selects the“direct print settings” 903 in FIG. 9B.

When the user checks a check box “direct print” 911, the MFP 151 enablesthe direct mode. Enabling the direct mode causes the MFP 151 to operateas a parent station in P2P communication. More specifically, if the P2Pcommunication is the WFD-based communication, the MFP 151 operates as agroup owner (GO). If P2P communication is software-AP-based directcommunication, the MFP 151 operates as an AP.

An item “OFDMA settings” 912 is used to determine whether thecommunication unit 156 enables OFDMA mode in the direct mode. In a casewhere a check box “disable” 913 is checked, direct communication isperformed in a state where OFDMA is disabled. When a check box “enable”914 is checked, direct communication is performed in a state where OFDMAis enabled.

In a case where a check box “auto” 915 is selected, the MFP 151 checksthe enabled or disabled state of OFDMA in the infrastructure mode of theMFP 151, and operates in the same state as that in the infrastructuremode. More specifically, if OFDMA is enabled in the infrastructure mode,the MFP 151 performs direct communication in a status where OFDMA isenabled. On the other hand, if OFDMA is disabled in the infrastructuremode, the MFP 151 performs direct communication in a status where OFDMAis disabled. The check boxes 913 to 915 in FIG. 9D are exclusivelyselected. In other words, only one of these check boxes is selectable ata time.

Checking OFDMA mode settings in the infrastructure mode enables settingssuitable for the environment where the AP 131 and the MFP 151 areinstalled.

More specifically, the settings of the AP 131 are more likely to be setby a network administrator based on the environment where the AP 131 andMFP 151 are installed. Also, in the direct communication of the MFP 151,the MFP 151 can perform communication suitable for the environment byfollowing the settings.

When an OK button 910 in FIG. 9C is pressed, the MFP 151 ends thesettings in the infrastructure mode. When the OK button 910 in FIG. 9Dis pressed, the MFP 151 ends the settings in the direct mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the MFP 151 to enableor disable the OFDMA in the direct mode. The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 10 is implemented by the CPU 154 reading and executing each controlprogram stored in the ROM 152.

When a direct print setting operation is started, the CPU 154 receivesvarious setting operations related to direct print settings in stepS1001. More specifically, the CPU 154 receives various settingoperations performed on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 9D. Instep S1002, the CPU 154 determines whether the OK button 910 isselected. If a result of the determination in step S1002 indicates thatthe OK button 910 is selected (YES in step S1002), the processingproceeds to step S1004. If a result of the determination in step S1002indicates that the OK button 910 is not selected (NO in step S1002), theprocessing proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, the CPU 154 determineswhether the operation performed in step S1001 is the selection of thecancel button. If a result of the determination in step S1003 indicatesthat the operation performed in step S1001 is not the selection of thecancel button (NO in step S1003), the processing returns to step S1001.The CPU 154 continues the setting operation. If a result of thedetermination in step S1003 indicates that the operation performed instep S1001 is the selection of the cancel button (YES in step S1003),the CPU 154 ends the setting operation in the flowchart.

In step S1004, the CPU 154 determines whether the check box “auto” 915is selected. When a result of the determination in step S1004 indicatesthat the check box “auto” 915 is selected (YES in step S1004), theprocessing proceeds step S1006. In step S1006, the CPU 154 acquires thestatus of OFDMA mode in the infrastructure mode.

If the CPU 154 determines that OFDMA is enabled in the infrastructuremode (YES in step S1007), the processing proceeds to step S1008. In stepS1008, the CPU 154 also operates the MFP 151 with OFDMA enabled in thedirect mode. In a case where the CPU 154 operates the MFP 151 as aparent station in the direct mode, the CPU 154 controls thecommunication unit 156 so that the MFP 151 operates as a parent stationin OFDMA execution state.

If the CPU 154 determines that OFDMA is disabled in the infrastructuremode (NO in step S1007), the processing proceeds to step S1009. In stepS1009, the CPU 154 also operates the MFP 151 with OFDMA disabled in thedirect mode. In a case where the CPU 154 operates the MFP 151 as aparent station in the direct mode, the CPU 154 controls thecommunication unit 156 so that the MFP 151 operates as a parent stationin the OFDM execution state.

If a result of the determination in S1004 indicates that the check box“auto” 915 is not selected (NO in step S1004), the processing proceedsto step S1005. In step S1005, the CPU 154 determines whether the checkbox “enable” 914 is selected to be enabled. If the CPU 154 determinesthat the check box “enable” 914 is checked to be enabled (YES in stepS1005), the processing proceeds to step S1008. The CPU 154 then performsthe above-described operation in step S1008.

If the CPU 154 determines that the check box “enable” 914 is deselected(NO in step S1005), the processing proceeds to step S1009. The CPU 154then performs the above-described operation in step S1009.

Through the above-described processing, the MFP 151 can perform thecommunication processing in the direct mode based on the settings inFIG. 9D.

A second exemplary embodiment will be described below. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a description will be provided of processing forenabling or disabling OFDMA in the direct mode at a timing differentfrom the timing according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing for enabling or disablingOFDMA in the direct mode according to the present exemplary embodiment.The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 11 is implemented by the CPU 154reading and executing each control program stored in the ROM 152. Theflowchart in FIG. 11 is started when a terminal requests the MFP 151 forthe direct connection.

In step S1101, the CPU 154 checks the settings of OFDMA mode in theinfrastructure mode. In step S1102, the CPU 154 determines whether OFDMAis enabled or disabled. The CPU 154 refers to the RU allocation subfield 606 in the trigger frame in FIG. 6 transmitted from the AP toimplement the operation in step S1102.

If the CPU 154 determines that OFDMA is enabled in the infrastructuremode (YES in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1103. In stepS1103, the CPU 154 starts direct mode communication with OFDMA enabled.

If the CPU 154 determines that OFDMA is disabled in the infrastructuremode (NO in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1104. In stepS1104, the CPU 154 starts direct mode communication with OFDMA disabled.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the status of theinfrastructure mode is checked when the MFP 151 is requested for thedirect connection, thus enabling the communication that reflects thelatest status in the infrastructure mode.

A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedbelow. According to the first and the second exemplary embodiment, whenthe check box “auto” 915 is selected, the MFP 151 refers to OFDMAsettings in the infrastructure mode and determines whether OFDMA in thedirect mode is enabled or disabled. However, there may be a form inwhich the MFP 151 performs only the direct mode with the infrastructuremode disabled.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a description will be provided of amethod for automatically determining OFDMA mode in the direct wirelesscommunication without depending on the infrastructure mode.

When the OK button 910 in FIG. 9D is pressed, the MFP 151 performs thecarrier sense for each channel for a certain period of time, andestimates the number of terminals based on the number of channelsoccupied for communication. In a case where the number of occupiedchannels is determined to be equal to or larger than a threshold value,the MFP 151 determines that the number of terminals that are presentnear the MFP 151 is equal to or larger than the threshold value. Thus,in this case, the CPU 154 enables OFDMA in the direct mode and startsdirect mode communication. On the other hand, in a case where the numberof channels occupied for communication is less than the threshold value,the MFP 151 determines that number of terminals that are present nearthe MFP 151 is less than the threshold value. Thus, in this case, theCPU 154 disables OFDMA in the direct mode and starts direct modecommunication.

The MFP 151 may determine whether OFDMA in the direct mode is enabled ordisabled with other methods. For example, the MFP 151 may estimate thenumber of terminals based on the number of probe responses fromterminals in response to beacons transmitted in the environment wherethe MFP 151 is used, and determine whether OFDMA in the direct mode isenabled or disabled based on the result of the estimation.

Even in a case where only the direct mode is enabled and the check box“auto” 915 is selected, the above-described processing enables the MFP151 to automatically determine whether OFDMA in the direct mode isenabled or disabled.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

While a description has been provided of a case where the MFP 151enables the direct mode after establishing the wireless connection inthe infrastructure mode in the exemplary embodiments, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The MFP 151 may enable the direct modebefore establishing the wireless connection in the infrastructure mode.In this case, the MFP 151 determines whether OFDMA in the direct mode isenabled or disabled based on the setting of the check box 913 or 914 inFIG. 9D.

While the MFP 151 determines whether OFDMA in the infrastructure mode isenabled or disabled by using a trigger frame transmitted from the AP 131in the exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

For example, the MFP 151 may receive information regarding the enablingor disabling of OFDMA of the AP 131 via a wired connection to the AP131.

Other Embodiments

Various embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized bya computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. While exemplaryembodiments have been described herein, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Thescope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures and functions.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2022-117401, filed Jul. 22, 2022, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a firstsetting unit configured to enable a first mode for performing a wirelesscommunication via an external access point external to the image formingapparatus; a second setting unit configured to enable a second mode forperforming a wireless communication without interposing an externalaccess point external to the image forming apparatus; a reception unitconfigured to receive a first trigger frame including information aboutOFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external accesspoint external to the image forming apparatus while the first mode isenabled; a communication unit configured to perform communicationprocessing in the first mode through OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11standard based on information about the first trigger frame; atransmission unit configured to transmit, in a case where the secondmode is enabled, a second trigger frame including information aboutOFDMA conforming to IEEE 802.11 standard; and a print processing unitconfigured to perform print processing on a sheet based on a print jobreceived through a wireless communication in the first mode or awireless communication in the second mode.
 2. The image formingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third setting unitconfigured to receive a setting whether to perform OFDMA in the wirelesscommunication in the second mode, via an operation panel of the imageforming apparatus.
 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the communication unit transmits information indicating aremaining amount of a consumable item for the image forming apparatus ora status of the image forming apparatus based on OFDMA conforming to theIEEE 802.11 standard.
 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim3, wherein the remaining amount of the consumable item includes at leastone of a remaining amount of ink, a remaining amount of toner, and aremaining amount of sheets, and wherein the information indicating thestatus of the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a paperjam error and a cover being open.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a validation unit configured toenable OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode based onenabled OFDMA in the wireless communication in the first mode.
 6. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the validationunit enables OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second modebased on information about OFDMA included in a trigger frame transmittedfrom the external access point.
 7. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 5, further comprising a determination unit configured todetermine whether OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in thefirst mode based on the second mode having been enabled, wherein, in acase where OFDMA is determined to be enabled in the wirelesscommunication in the first mode, the validation unit enables OFDMA inthe wireless communication in the second mode.
 8. The image formingapparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a determination unitconfigured to determine whether OFDMA is enabled in the wirelesscommunication in the first mode based on reception of a connectionrequest to the image forming apparatus in a wireless connection in thesecond mode, wherein, in a case where OFDMA is determined to be enabledin the wireless communication in the first mode, the validation unitenables OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode.